‘Wonderful people. I’m on my way there now, to see how the work is going.’ He had made no reference to his relationship with Hannah, Sarah noticed, although he must guess that she knew about it. ‘What a pity you will not be there,’ he went on. ‘But we will meet again soon. Allie, you must bring this protégé of yours to Nairobi the next time you crave the city lights.’

‘Don’t hold your breath,’ Allie said. ‘I avoid Nairobi like the plague. Too much noise and seething humanity. That’s the trouble with old fossils like Dan and me. We’ve lost the art of social chit-chat, if we ever had it. Why don’t you come up to Buffalo Springs instead? Dan will be delighted to have you sink a few jars with him.’

It was a long speech for Allie, and Sarah saw that she was flirting with him a little. Viktor was clearly a favoured friend. He had put out his cigar and now he took Allie’s two hands in his, turning them over to kiss the insides of her wrists. Then he turned his attention back to Sarah.

‘I can see I will be forced to journey into the wilderness, if I am to improve my acquaintance with Miss Mackay.’ He raised his black eyebrows and gave her a wide smile. Then he downed the remains of his drink in one long swallow, and signalled the waiter for a refill.

‘What will you ladies have? Do you think they have good champagne here? No. It will not be of sufficient quality, or properly chilled. Pimm’s. What about a Pimm’s? Goes well with the curry, and it will put mettle in your driving, Allie.’ He nodded at Sarah. ‘You have not yet driven with this woman. It will be a testing time for your courage.’

‘What rubbish, Viktor,’ Allie exclaimed. ‘But I’d love a Pimm’s. Do you want to join us for lunch?’